Evansville - Rev. Lawrence E. Becker, 86, of Evansville, passed away on Friday, November 1, 2019 surrounded by his family at The Linda E. White Hospice House at Deaconess. He was born on December 2, 1932 in Indianapolis, IN to Anice Mildred and Arnold Becker and grew up on their family farm.

Upon graduating from high school, he served four years in the Air Force during the Korean War and then graduated from Elmhurst College in 1960. He attended Eden Theological Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri where he received a Master of Divinity in 1963. While attending Eden Theological Seminary, he met his wife Marilane Becker while she was attending Evangelical Deaconess Hospital School of Nursing.

Lawrence served pastorates for The United Church of Christ at St. James of Francisville, IN, Salem of Francisville, IN, St. John of Medaryville, IN, Zion of Shelbyville, IN and St. Mark for over 25 years in Evansville. He was a General Synod Delegate, and served on various committees for the UCC association and conferences.

He enjoyed music especially opera and classical, gardening, bowling, traveling, Friday night outings with their friends, exercising with his friends at The Easter Seals Rehabilitation Pool and spending time with his beloved family.

He was very active in the community as a member of The Philharmonic Chorus, American Legion, Picnic Boys, Franklin Bowling League and the Optimist Club where he served in various positions.

He was preceded in death by his grandson, Jackson Lawrence Palmer; sister Joan Spencer; mother and father Anice Mildred and Arnold Becker; and mother and father-in-law Norma and Erwin Heitman.

A Celebration of Life Service will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday, November 8, 2019 at Salem United Church of Christ-Heusler, 11325 E. Lower Mt. Vernon Rd., officiated by the Pastor Al Schmitz. Vanderburgh County Veterans Memorial Club will perform military rites at gravesite. Friends may visit Thursday, November 7, 2019 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Alexander West Chapel and also one hour before the service at the church.

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Marilane,Julie,Karen and Allison and your entire family...deepest sympathies. He was a fine minister and good friend to our entire family, so sad, may God give you strength at this time.Big hugs, Pam and Kenny Harp

November 7, 2019

Marilane and family,

We were saddened to hear of Larry's passing. Both Bernie and I have lasting memories of him co-officiating at our wedding 38 years ago and graciously providing graveside services for my sister seven years ago. He lived his faith, and we were all better because of it.

In sympathy and love,Bernie and Jane (Orth) Dolan

Jane Dolan

November 7, 2019

I love you All Dear Cousins so much

Mary Margaret Becker Biela

November 7, 2019

My Cousin Larry ,We were All so Proud of you .Though out the years when we visited Your Mother and Dad on the Farm always missed seeing you as your where in the Korean war ,then college and Seminary . What a great time Aunt Mary, my Son Pat and I had the most special visit .Aunt Mildred went with us showed us the way.Amost Beautiful day we had.Meeting your wife ,Marlain and the most precious little Girls,my second Cousins.Most delicious meal Marlain topped with dessert out of this world a Cheese Cake. Your Lovely home right close to your Church .We walked over the beautiful landscape to your Church,I remember the most wonderful filling I had and how very proud I was of my Cousin Larry ,knowing he knew I played the Organ he set me down what a Wonderful time I had there at the Organ. Marlene always sent us in deep south Harlingen, texas 5 Harlingen all the Family news a Great Ministers Wife . I know your Grandson Jackson was there to meet you in Heaven saying Grandpa I have been waiting for you. Wish I could be with All the Family,Sending All my Love with Heart full of love.Your Texas Cousin Mary Margarert Becker Biela.

Mary Margaret Becker Biela

November 7, 2019

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.